Welcoming Our First Visitor and the No Kings Parade in Ajijic
When Joe’s brother, Jeff, came to visit, it felt like a milestone — our first visitor since moving to Chapala, Mexico. While we were thrilled to see him, I’ll admit I was a bit nervous. Joe and I have grown to love this charming little lakeside town and all its eccentricities, but would someone seeing it for the first time feel the same way?
The people here are warm and welcoming, the Lake Chapala views are stunning, and the food is always delicious. But this area isn’t for everyone — uneven cobblestone streets, roaming dogs, and the lively mix of sounds and smells can be a bit of a sensory adventure. Still, I hoped Jeff would see what we see: a community full of heart, history, and vibrancy.
Exploring Chapala and Beyond
As it turned out, Jeff fit right in. We introduced him to some of our closest friends, and he immediately connected with them. One of the highlights of his trip was a boat tour to Isla de Mezcala, a fascinating island rich with history — from its indigenous roots and Spanish battles to its time as a Mexican prison, often compared to Alcatraz.
Our guide, Cesar, shared captivating stories that brought the island’s past to life. We nearly had the entire place to ourselves, making it a truly special experience.
Food and Local Favorites
Of course, no visit to Ajijic would be complete without diving into the local food scene. We took Jeff to La Paceña, our favorite upscale seafood spot, and then to two of our favorite casual gems — the blue shed tacos in the plaza and El Chef de la Nena,tucked in a backyard, where the food is made with love and guests are treated like family.
Dancing in the Street: The Camaleón Tradition
Jeff also got to experience a birthday celebration for our friend Mark, where he quickly learned one of our favorite local traditions — dancing on the manhole cover outside Camaleón Bar. What started as a fun quirk has become a local ritual for our group, and Jeff jumped right in. Watching him laugh, dance, and soak in the spirit of Ajijic made me realize how much this place has become home.
The No Kings Protest and Parade
The day after Jeff left, we joined the No Kings Protest in the Ajijic Plaza. It was both powerful and emotional to see a reminder that this beautiful town is not just a place of color and culture, but of conscience and compassion.
Reflections
Hosting Jeff reminded us how much there is to love about Ajijic — its mix of history, community, and joy. Seeing it through his eyes reaffirmed why we’ve grown so attached to this lakeside village. Between boat rides, street tacos, and dancing in the plaza, it was the perfect reminder that life here, for all its quirks, is full of connection and meaning.
